a blog of subjective commentary from a New York City creative professional

I received an unusual, last minute request to photograph donuts for a same-day publication. What was the rush? Today, June 6, 2014, is National Donut Day. Really (I never heard of it, either). The client wanted to seize the moment and be relevant to the confection-minded Googlers around the world.Continue reading →

I’m serious about PARALLAX—I want as many people as possible to watch and learn from this movie. One way to get a wide audience is to expand beyond my boundaries so more eyes can see it, eyes that I would not be in front of, otherwise. That’s where film festivals play a pivotal role.

I’ve submitted PARALLAX to two local film festivals so far. Each festival has its own marketing and audience, so I’ll have the opportunity to show my movie to each. Their marketing is responsible for bringing in an audience, and that’s where I benefit—they do the heavy lifting and I just have to deliver an engaging movie (self-promotion through my social media channels is still a good idea). The first festival I’ve submitted to is the NEC Communication Film Festival. This is their first-ever festival, so there’s no way of knowing the quality of work they’ll receive (and, consequently, what kind of competition PARALLAX will face).

The second festival is the Holywood Christian Film Festival of New York, which is in its third year. I’ve seen some of the work from previous festivals and believe the competition will be strong.

Both festivals are from faith-based institutions, so the experience may differ from other film festivals. The official “rules” prohibit certain subject matter and focus on morally-sound content, so there won’t be any NSFW surprises.

I’m also looking forward to the festivals for the experience as a movie producer. I may have the opportunity to market my movie to interested parties, so my “elevator pitch” has to be impressive. There’s so much to prepare for, and I’ll be ready for it.

I recently completed work on one of my most ambitious projects to date—a short movie shot with two actors and one Production Assistant in a rented location in Brooklyn—and I’m delighted to finally show the world.

The emphasis is on finally because it’s literally been years since we wrapped taping. Yes, taping. I taped PARALLAX in 2009 with the venerable HV20—a tape-based HD camcorder from Canon.

You can visit the official website at http://parallaxthemovie.com for downloadable pictures to share on your social networks, to watch the teasers, or to request any additional information.

Synopsis:A naive young woman (Maria Redrick-Ward) with percolating passions is confronted with a sudden, unexpected visit from a mysterious, beguiling neighbor (Gregory Vilfranc) who identifies himself only as “The Dude from downstairs.” What appears to be a chance encounter is revealed to be a pivotal moment of truth for her where one choice will make all the difference…in the world.

Based on the Biblical story of Eve’s encounter with the devil, PARALLAX revisits the need for spiritual discernment and accountability in a day and age when libertine gratification is the norm. PARALLAX, a faith-based short film, is suitable for individual and family viewing.

Feel free to watch the teaser as often as you like. Embed it in your Facebook and Twitter pages. Blog about it. Tell others about it. Rate it with 5 stars. Make it viral. Show the world. Be my guest.

I was called back to work as Camera Operator on The Cyclone Variety Show last week. Being called back to work on a production, out of the many Community Producers working out of BRIC’s studios, is a good thing. It means my work and professionalism is appreciated.

It’s imperative that you build a reputable name and image for yourself as a professional because producers, agents, and other managers don’t want to work with unreliable crew members. Those crew members don’t gain practical experience and fizzle away, frustrated.

This was my first session at the remodeled BRIC studio and it is a far more capable studio, equipped with better cameras, a robust control room, and a larger workspace. I felt at ease and was able to take command of my camera, despite the few technical hiccups that challenged the crew.